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Ricky Januarie may have the inside lane to play at scrumhalf for the Springboks on their three-Test rugby tour of Britain next month.

However, the men who have to make the selection, are unlikely to agree about the matter.

Liam Del Carme writes for Beeld that Januarie was Fourie du Preez’s deputy for the three most recent Test matches but there are indications that the Western Province halfback could be in the starting lineup when South Africa meet Wales in Cardiff on November 8.

There is no doubt that both deserve to be in the touring team but there seems to be differences of opinion about the way they should be utilised.

Many experts feel Du Preez’s excellent kicking makes him an ideal scrumhalf on heavy, wet grounds such as the Boks may encounter in the northern hemisphere.

The poor surface in the Millennium Stadium, in particular, would require excellent tactical kicking.

Januarie’s ability to terrorise his opponents at rucks and mauls enables him to change the course of a match in an instant

The try he scored against New Zealand earlier this year, when the Springboks recorded their first Test victory ever in Dunedin, strengthened his grip on the No 9 jersey.

He was outstanding in the first half of the Tri-Nations series but was unable to maintain his form.

His disciplinary record also acquired a couple of new entries this year and contributed to him losing his place in the starting lineup.

Du Preez, who shone in the World Cup tournament in France last year, was injured for a long time during the season, giving Januarie the opportunity to establish himself as No 1 choice.

Du Preez was in the run-on team and Januarie on the bench in South Africa last two Test matches, against Australia.

Even though Du Preez played well in Currie Cup matches for the Blue Bulls, his performances have been unfairly compared with his form against England in Paris last year.

Januarie last played in the starting lineup when South Africa beat Argentina.